Straight Line Stitch

When Skies Wash Ashore

KOCH/Raging Nation Records

I will be the first to admit — I don’t know a thing about metal/hardcore/hard rock. I don’t understand the difference between GWAR and Slayer. You get the idea. So, I think it’s safe to say that one should take my reviews of metal with a salt block.

With that said, the musicianship and talent contained within Straight Line Stitch’s new album When Skies Wash Ashore is solid and brutal. Every member earns their keep with strong presence and edge. From shiver-inducing screams to ballsy bass drumming, Straight Line Stitch delivers a potent, muscular pop in the throat.

That’s what was so disappointing about this album, though. The lyrics dominated the entire experience — in the bad way. Remember the Black Eyed Peas’ run at recording music in Simlish for The Sims’ off-shoot The Urbz? It’s safe to say, the impact of Skies would have been epic had the words been gibberish. The rhyming schemes are hackneyed, and the on-the-nose lines are cliché. Aside from that, by god, they are amazing. Check ’em out before you make a decision.

Who they remind you of: I’m not going to insult you with my ignorance of hardcore/metal/thrash music.

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